Dragon Ball Z isn’t just an anime, it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s inspired generations of fans to master the art of Kamehameha, and bond over the epic showdowns between Goku and Vegeta. Spanning over four decades, the franchise has expanded to include several spin-offs, movies, and games that continue to delight audiences even now. This enduring franchise not only defines shonen anime, but manages to keep it fresh by constantly introducing new characters and story-arcs that have helped increase its popularity over the years.
While the Dragon Ball Z franchise offers no shortage of episodes to keep DBZ fans busy, there are plenty of other battle-centric adventures, and adrenaline-fuelled anime series out there that are worth checking out as well.
Here are 10 anime series you should add to your watchlist if you can’t get enough of Dragon Ball Z and where to stream them all in India!
10 Anime Shows You’ll Love If You Enjoyed Watching Dragon Ball Z
If you’re looking for another anime series that balances all the blood and gore of battle with the warm and loving themes of friendship and loyalty, you should add Demon Slayer to your list. The series centers around Tanjiro, a determined and intelligent young boy who enlists himself to become a demon slayer to avenge the death of his family, and to save his sister from transitioning to the dark side. Unlike Dragon Ball Z, Demon Slayer only has three seasons and one feature film under its belt, making it easier to binge through the entire series in a breeze.
If you’re a fan of epic showdowns, and can’t help but root for heroes, you’ll probably like My Hero Academia. Set in a world where superpowers have become the norm, the series revolves around Izuki Midoriya, an eager young boy who dreams of becoming a hero despite having no superpowers. His fate changes overnight, when he’s chosen by the city’s #1 hero All Might to be his successor. With the help of his new mentor, Izuki, is able to enroll into the city’s most prestigious hero training academy where he trains to become the city’s next biggest superhero. Like Dragon Ball Z, the series celebrates the classic shonen themes of hard work, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of becoming stronger.
Dragon Ball Z gets its name from the central theme of the hunt for the seven Dragon Balls that, when assembled together, grant the wielder one wish. Similarly, in Fairy Tail, characters journey through Earth Land in search of a dragon named Igneel, blending adventurous quests with a quest-driven narrative. Additionally, the series shares a similar sense of humor and classic shonen-style fighting sequences with Dragon Ball Z, making it resonate well with fans who enjoy a mix of humor and high-octane battles.
A new-age take on shonen anime, Fire Force, centers around a group of pyrokinetic fire fighters that fight fire with fire. The playful nature of the fire fighters, and the camaraderie between them strikes a strong resemblance to the fighters in Dragon Ball Z.
Chronicling the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his notorious pirate crew, the series builds an immersive world brimming with formidable villains and new adventures at every turn. With 1117 episodes and counting, the anime is as expansive as Dragon Ball Z, and is something all fans would enjoy.
Mimicking Goku’s underdog beginnings and his journey to the top, the series focuses on a magic-less boy’s journey of trials and tribulations as he attempts to become the greatest wizard in the world.
Character power-ups, high-energy fight sequences, and a series of supernatural threats. When it comes to shonen anime, Bleach is right there at the top with DBZ. The series chronicles the journey of Ichigo Kurosaki, a young man who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and battles deadly supernatural forces.
Everyone loves optimistic heroes who run head first into the face of danger. That’s what makes Goku so widely loved. Gon, the main protagonist from Hunter x Hunter, mirrors the same level of optimism, hope, and courage as Goku. The series journeys Gon’s relentless pursuit of becoming a Hunter in hopes of reuniting with his long lost father.
Father-son relationships and competitive familial dynamics are pivotal in shaping the emotional depth and character development in Dragon Ball Z. This is clearly seen in the relationships between Goku and Gohan, as well as Trunks and Vegeta. If you're drawn to these themes, Baki the Grappler offers a similarly compelling narrative. The series centers on Baki Hanma's relentless journey to succeed his father, Yujiro Hanma, who is not only the strongest fighter in the world but also a formidable and complex figure in Baki's life.
One thing that all Dragon Ball Z fighters have in common aside from their super-strength, is their undying obsession with food! If you’re looking for a shonen anime that combines food and fight, check out Toriko, a whimsical anime about gourmet hunters who scavenge the Earth to find rare ingredients.
Where to watch anime shows like Dragon Ball Z online
Interested in discovering more about where to stream anime series similar to Dragon Ball Z? Check out JustWatch’s streaming guide below for more information about where to stream, buy, or rent these anime shows online. You can also use this guide to check out their ratings, episode list, and more.
